MANILA, (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is on heightened alert in line with the one-week transport strike by various transport organizations starting today.

According to PNP-Public Information Office chief Police Col. Red Maranan, about 80 percent of the PNP force will be deployed and assigned to different areas to help and provide security to the commuters.

"We will raise our alert status. We will deploy our police in the places where our kababayans ride so that we can provide adequate security to our kababayans," said Maranan.

Maranan said that they will also allocate their mobile patrols for the provision of free rides. They will ensure that the commuters who do not have a ride can be given transportation support to and from their offices and work.

The PNP will also monitor those who participate in the transport strike to ensure that they do not harass PUVs that continue to provide service.

At the same time, Maranan advised the public to stay at home if there is nothing important to go to.

The official also hopes that the transport strike will end peacefully. (PIA-NCR)